Maria David
THE Otjozondjupa Region has received about 61 new police recruits during the financial year 2023/24.
This was revealed by Governor James Uerikua during his State of the Region Address, where he said that security and the rule of law are among the strategic objectives of effective governance.
“Paramount to effective governance is creating a conducive and peaceful environment through the enhancement of security and the rule of law,” he said.
Furthermore, Uerikua revealed that they recorded a total of 185 Assault GBH cases, 124 Stock Theft cases, 626 Theft cases, 223 Housebreaking & Theft cases, 98 Robbery cases, 72 Theft Out of Motor Vehicle cases, 27 Dealing/Possession of Drugs cases, 146 Common Assault cases, 8 Murder cases, 9 Culpable Homicide cases, 32 Domestic Violence cases, 24 Rape cases, 33 Illegal Hunting cases, 46 Drinking and Driving cases, and 357 other cases, accounting for a total of 2,010 cases in the region.
Moreover, he said that the capital projects under Safety in the region include the construction of the Omatako Police Station and police officers’ accommodation, amounting to N$25,100,000. These were officially inaugurated in February 2024 and are currently fully operational.
In the same vein, Uerikua mentioned that the Otjiwarongo Police Station was renovated at a cost of about N$2.9 million. However, further upgrading is still required.
He also said that various cases of Contravention of Sec 4 (1) (a) of the Controlled Wildlife Products and Trade Act 9/2008, as amended by Act 6/2017, were opened during the financial year, with many involving the possession of live pangolins or skins.
On the side of Traffic Policing, a total of 3,157 traffic fines with a combined total of approximately N$3,560,650 were issued. Additionally, 185 persons were arrested for Drinking and Driving, 39 accidents with 15 fatalities were reported, and 53 vehicles were involved.
“A total of 209 persons were arrested on warrants of arrest for traffic offenses, and 183 vehicles were suspended,” he added.
He said that the roads passing through the region continue to experience road carnages. Motor vehicle accidents or fatalities on our national roads are attributed to ignorance of road traffic rules, inconsiderate driving, overspeeding, and animals.
